Among other things, Westenergie is responsible for 175,000 kilometers of electricity distribution network and 24,000 kilometers of gas distribution network. Will that be enough for future supplies?
Westenergie, Germany’s largest energy service provider, does not believe that the expansion of renewable energies would be possible without a simultaneous expansion of the power distribution grid. “It’s already clear: If we don’t massively expand the distribution grids, the system will come under stress,” said Westenergie CEO Katherina Reiche on Tuesday at the “E-world” energy trade fair in Essen.
In the Westenergie area alone, the number of solar systems is expected to quadruple to 940,000 by 2030. Westenergie expects a tenfold increase in heat pumps – from the current 90,000 to 888,000 in 2030. “So we not only need an expansion turbo for renewable energies, but also a boost for our power grids.” This applies to the transmission grids as well as to the distribution grids.
Westenergie belongs to the Eon energy group and is responsible, among other things, for 175,000 kilometers of electricity distribution network and 24,000 kilometers of gas distribution network.
According to Reiche, gas networks are still needed. “In the future we will continue to need molecules for industrial processes, as raw materials, but also for heating solutions.” Reiche called for the gas distribution networks not to be completely ignored when considering future heat supply in the municipalities. Every municipality is different, which must be taken into account in the heat transition. “We must continue to be able to use our gas networks for green molecules in the future – whether hydrogen or biogas.”
Source: Stern
